Editorial: No excuses for abuse

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FILE - In this March 21, 2016, file photo, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman speaks during a news conference in New York. Schneiderman, who had taken on high-profile roles as an advocate for women's issues and an antagonist to the policies of President Donald Trump, announced late Monday, May 7, 2018, that he would be resigning from office hours after four women he was romantically involved with accused him of physical violence in accounts published by The New Yorker. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has stepped down from his post amid allegations that he physically and emotionally abused several women. Schneiderman was an outspoken advocate for women in his political life but it reportedly did not translate to his personal interactions.

Michelle Manning Barish told The New Yorker that one evening turned suddenly violent when Schneiderman slapped her. “He then used his body weight to hold me down, and he began to choke me.”

The story goes on to say that the two dated for about two years, off and on, and that Schnei­derman continued to physically and mentally abuse her.

Two women spoke to The New Yorker on the record, Barish and Tanya Selvaratnam. Both tell of cruel and sadistic behavior by Schneiderman. Two others did not want to be identified but their accounts are equally appalling.

A particular quote from the New Yorker piece is from an unnamed woman, described as “an accomplished Ivy League-­educated lawyer with government experience.” On staying silent she said at the time she thought, “He’s a good attorney general, he’s doing good things. I didn’t want to jeopardize that.”

“He’s doing good things.”

A difference can be made between a powerful and prestigious philanderer and a powerful and prestigious serial abuser. What Schneiderman allegedly did was physical abuse. At least a couple of his victims told people. One would have hoped that someone could have said something. Leaked something.

Of course it’s all in the open now and Schneiderman has stepped down.

In this day in which statues and street names are coming under scrutiny for the legacy of the subject, perhaps we should re-evaluate others who’ve ascended as cultural heroes.

We should stop rewarding bad behavior and make the bullies who hurt women pay a price.